Page:The Granite Monthly Volume 8.djvu/51

 Hon. Marshall P. Wilder, Ph.D. 37

after year, for half a century, to the society voted him a silver pitcher valued present day. at one hundred and fifty dollars, and Soon after the Massachusetts Horti- caused his portrait to be placed in its cultural Society was formed, Mr. Wilder hall. As president of this association was associated with the late General he headed a circular for a convention Henry A. S. Dearborn, its first president, of fruit-growers, which was held in and from that time till now has been New York, October lo, 1848, when one of its most efiicient members, the American Pom ©logical Society was constantly attending its meetings, formed. He was chosen its first presi- taking part in its business and dis- dent, and he still holds that office, cussions, and contributing largely to being in his thirty-third year of service, its exhibitions. Four years since, he Its biennial meetings have been held in delivered the oration on the occasion New York, Philadelphia, Cincinnati, of its semi-centennial. One of the Boston, Rochester, St. Louis, Rich- most important acts of this society was mond, Chicago, and Baltimore ; and it the purchase of INIount Auburn for a will hold its next meeting in Detroit, cemetery and an ornamental garden. On these occasions President Wilder On the separation of the cemetery from has made appropriate addresses. The the society, in 1835, through Mr. last meeting was held, September, 1883, Wilder's influence committees were in Philadelphia, when his last address appointed by the two corporations, was delivered. In this address, with Judge Story being chairman of the his usual foresight, he proprosed a cemetery committee, and Mr. Wilder of grand reform in the nomenclature of the society committee. The situation fruits for our country, and asked the was fraught with great difficulties ; but co-operation of other nations in this Mr. Wilder's conservative course, reform.

everywhere acknowledged, overcame In February, 1849, the Norfolk x'\gri- them all and enabled the society to cultural Society was formed. Mr. erect an elegant hall in School Street, Wilder was chosen president, and the and afterward the splendid building it Honorable Charles Francis Adams, vice- now occupies in Tremont Street, the president. Before this society his first most magnificent horticultural hall in address on agricultural education was the world. It has a library which is delivered. This was a memorable everywhere acknowledged to be the occasion. There were then present, best horticultural hbrary anywhere. George N. Briggs, the governor, and In 1840, he was chosen president, John Reed, the heutenant - governor, and held the office for eight succes- of the State, Daniel Webster, Edward sive years. During his presidency the Everett, Horace Mann, Levi Lincoln, hall in School Street was erected, and Josiah Quincy, president of Harvard two triennial festivals were held in University, General Henry A. S. Dear- Faneuil Hall, which are particularly bom. Governor Isaac Hill, of New worthy of notice. The first was opened Hampshire, the Reverend John Pier- September II, 1845, and the second on pont, Josiah Quincy, Jr., Charles Francis the fiftieth anniversary of his birth, Adams, and Robert C. Winthrop, — of September 22, 1848, when he retired which galaxy of eminent men, the last from the office of president, and the two only are now living. It was the first

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